Religion-Themed Show May Get Shot At Resurrection

Does TV Land still have faith in its original comedy series “The Soul Man”? Comedian Cedric The Entertainer, who stars in the show as Reverend Boyce “The Voice” Ballentine, tweeted Wednesday that the program had been renewed for a second season.

“Just got word #TheSoulMan has been picked up for season #2. Thank all of you who wrote in and/or just watched me,” tweeted the comic, who also executive produces the show.

“The Soul Man’s” June 20 premiere was the second-highest rated debut in TV Land’s history after the launch of the Betty White comedy “Hot In Cleveland.” (Cedric the Entertainer’s “Soul Man” character appeared in the second season of “Hot In Cleveland,” giving the new show a launching pad.) But ratings soon dropped leaving “The Soul Man” with an uncertain fate after its first season wrapped up in September. Cedric the Entertainer appealed to fans last month to join a letter-writing campaign asking TV Land’s executives to renew the show.

TV Land declined to confirm that the show had been renewed, but a spokeswoman said “We are looking forward to sharing good news about the second season of The Soul Man very soon.”

The comedy centers around Reverend Boyce, a former R&B singer and his wife played by Nicey Nash who move to St. Louis with their kids to take over his father’s church. The show drew attention from some viewers because, although it’s a sitcom, it’s one of the few scripted programs on TV with religious themes and storylines.

Cedric the Entertainer’s publicist Marla Winston declined to give further specifics on the reported renewal or if the letter-writing campaign helped the show win another season.

Just got word #TheSoulMan has been picked up for season #2.Thank all of you who wrote in and/or just watched me @niecynash bout to Turn Up!

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